Kancey posted 26 tackles (19 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and one pass defensed across 14 regular-season games in 2023. He added six tackles (four solo), including 1.5 sacks, and a pass defensed in two postseason contests.
The active rookie 19th overall pick got his career off to a modest start thanks to a training camp calf injury he aggravated in the season-opening clash against the Vikings after just 11 snaps, leading to absences in Weeks 2-4. However, Kancey settled in upon returning, not missing a game the rest of the way and delivering fairly consistent production. Kancey began to display his knack for disrupting offensive backfields as the campaign unfolded, although he did hit a lull down the stretch by not recording a regular-season sack after Week 14. Nevertheless, the Pittsburgh product enjoyed a resurgence in two playoff contests with 1.5 sacks, and expectations will undoubtedly be much higher for him in Year 2 now that he has a full year of experience under his belt.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Questionable Sunday
Rotowire
Kancey (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans.
The 2023 first-round pick out of Pittsburgh popped up on the Buccaneers' injury report earlier in the week with a quad issue, and he recorded limited practice sessions both Thursday and Friday. If Kancey is unable to suit up this weekend, Mike Greene should see an increased role on Tampa Bay's defensive line.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Ruled out for Week 3
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) will miss his second game in a row after being ruled out for Monday's contest against the Eagles, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Kancey has been battling a calf injury he sustained at the beginning of training camp. He was able to make his pro debut in Week 1 against the Vikings but logged just 11 defensive snaps before aggravating the injury. Undrafted free agent Mike Greene -- who played in 25 defensive snaps in Week 2 against the Bears and registered a tackle -- is set to once again take on an increased workload, this time against the Eagles' dominant offensive line.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Misses first practice of week
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) did not participate at practice Thursday.
Kancey has not played since reaggravating a strained right calf in Week 1, and he's not off to a great start ahead of Monday's game versus the Eagles. He'll probably need to practice in some capacity Friday or Saturday in order to have a chance at suiting up in Week 3.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Won't play vs. Bears
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) is listed as out for Sunday's game versus Chicago, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
After not being able to practice at all this week, Kancey will have to sit out of Tampa Bay's matchup versus the Bears in Week 2. In his stead, undrafted rookie Mike Greene could be in line to pick up an increased workload.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Considered day-to-day
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) is day-to-day after aggravating his calf injury in the season opener against the Vikings, JC Allen of Bucs Gameday reports.
Kancey didn't play in the second half of the win over Minnesota, but an MRI revealed no further damage to his calf. The rookie first-round pick's practice participation, or lack thereof, ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears should provide insight on how likely Kancey is to take the field against Chicago.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Back practicing in limited fashion
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) was a limited participant at practice Thursday ahead of Sunday's game at Minnesota.
It's a step in the right direction for Kancey after he missed practice Monday and Wednesday. However, it's still not clear whether he'll be able to suit up for Tampa Bay's matchup in Week 1, and if he doesn't, it could mean more opportunities for undrafted rookie Mike Greene.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Hopeful for Week 1
Rotowire
Head coach Todd Bowles noted Sunday that he's "hopeful" that Kancey (calf) will progress and be ready for the Bucs' season opener against the Vikings on Sept. 10, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Kancey has missed most of training camp since straining his calf on July 30 and sat out of all three preseason games. He did shed his calf brace Saturday but has yet to be cleared to return. Kancey impressed early in camp with his quickness and pass-rush moves and should assume a pivotal role on the defensive front once he's fully healthy.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Undergoes MRI
Rotowire
Kancey underwent an MRI for his injured calf Monday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Kancey was carted off the field during Tampa Bay's practice Sunday but MRI results showed that the injury was not serious. The Buccaneers will still likely hold the rookie first-round pick out of practice for the time being to ensure he's healthy for the start of the regular season.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Carted off field
Rotowire
Kancey (calf) left practice Sunday on a cart, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
Kancey pulled his right leg up after doing a drill and was taken out of practice shortly after. Laine noted that it looked to be a calf injury and the cart could just be a precautionary measure given the hot weather. Kancey was taken by the Buccaneers with the 19th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after recording 31 tackles and 7.5 sacks in his final season at Pittsburgh.
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Buccaneers' Calijah Kancey: Impresses during spring work
Rotowire
Kancey, the Buccaneers' rookie first-round pick, impressed during non-padded spring work with his quickness off the ball and holistic grasp of the team's schemes, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "He's not just a lineman trying to line up and do things, he's trying to understand everything on the defensive line and the offensive line, so he knows how to play," head coach Todd Bowles said. "I'm very impressed with that."
Kancey finished his college career at Pittsburgh with 34.5 tackles for loss, including 16 sacks, underscoring his ability to disrupt backfields at a svelte-for-a-defensive-tackle 280 pounds. Laine notes the rookie 19th overall pick is seen as an ideal three-technique tackle complement to the mammoth Vita Vea along the interior of the Buccaneers' defensive line, and his stellar production despite his smallish frame has already drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald and franchise legend Warren Sapp, per Laine.
